Pittsburgh has many surprises. As one person said to me recently in a passing conversation, “Pittsburgh has the biggest gap between people’s perception of it and reality.”

One of the biggest treasures it has are the people, characters who built it, eccentric, rich and, at times, entertaining. While you may disagree, great characters still seem to be an essential ingredient in Pittsburgh’s secret sauce.

Tim Stevens definitely fits that profile and albeit major Pittsburgh newspapers didn’t do a good job in covering Pittsburgh’s black community and its leaders (thank the universe for Teenie Harris), Mr. Stevens was hard to miss. He was everywhere and even managed to get into our photo archive. Because in the end of the day, “How many singers do you know with a master’s degree in urban-regional planning?”

In his early career, the native of the Hill District during the day would work as a coordinator of the Black Political Caucus for the NAACP and would get involved with a project to establish a youth rehabilitation program at Juvenile Court, but at night he would “croon a rich and throaty voice from the elevated stage behind the bar at Nite Kap East,” an oasis of music at 40th and Penn in Lawrenceville, way back when Lawrenceville was not hip at all and mostly lived in the shadow of Downtown. He started his singing career at Trinity AME church on the corner of Wylie Avenue and Francis Street where he also was an organist. His mother, Georgetta Holmes Stevens, was “his role model in the arena of the community service.”

In 1970, he was named “Pittsburgh Entertainer of the Year,” people loved the songs he wrote and performed — jazz, blues, pop — the same year he became Executive Director of the Pittsburgh branch of the NAACP. It was after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. that Stevens decided to be more involved in the community. In 1986, Stevens founded the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP).

His career as a musician lasted as long if not longer than his role as a civil rights activist, community advocate and volunteer. He released albums, wrote singles, even served as a contributing editor of the Pittsburgh Magazine’s jazz section.

In the 1980s he didn’t seem to be too enamored by fame. He said at the time, “I just want to keep singing here, and keep people happy with my work and surround myself with the best musicians I can find.”

He produced and released songs with his ensemble called “the Tim Stevens Project.”

The press loved the singing activist, an article from 1999 captures it best:

“Tim Stevens is at the microphone, but tonight he’s not addressing issues as the President of the Pittsburgh Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Tonight, he is the singer — backed by guitar and drums — in the trio “The Tim Stevens Project” appearing at Crawford Grill.

Among regulars, the Wylie Avenue restaurant/club is often referred to as Crawford II because the original club, where international jazz greats had graced the stage was torn down along with other Hill District businesses and homes during urban renewal in the late ’50s.

The scene here is much as it was in the old club. Men in sport coats and women in suits and dresses chat softly and smile constantly, their faces illuminated by lighting as soft and smooth as the jazz being played.

The crowd of about 85 people is predominantly black, but whites are made to feel welcome by both the clientele and the efficient waitresses in white starched shirts, black bow ties and black pants.

Stevens, wearing a multicolored shirt and black pants, holds a wireless microphone as he strolls the floor, singing “The Two of Us” to the upbeat crowd, often stopping at tables to sing directly to patrons. There’s an understated excitement in the air, a happiness that’s infectious.

The crowd on this night includes Frank Bolden, 86, the former city editor of the Pittsburgh Courier when it was the country’s most influential black weekly newspaper, and city Councilman Sala Udin.

Manager Mark Allen, dapper in a blue blazer, white shirt and earring, moves through the crowd, making certain everyone is doing fine.

They are.

In a nearby booth, Dennis Ross and Patty Lawson drink in the ambiance. They invite some newcomers to the grill to share their booth and a chat. There are an attractive, interesting and interested people. They are the kind of people who make sure visitors feel comfortable in a new setting, the kind of people you meet in the Crawford Grill just by turning to your left or your right…”

One of the most riveting speeches I ever heard on Affirmative Action issues was from Mr. Stevens to a hospital employee crowd during Black History Month some 15 years ago. Wonderful Pittsburgher, a notable man.

Hi Tim,
I doubt if you would ever remember me but we sat next to one another in a couple of classes at Pitt around the ’66-’67 era, Political Science, if I remember correctly. You were a well spoken, intelligent and good looking black man who, even back then, I always said would make a great spokesman for the black community. I am very happy to pass along this very sincere compliment, 50 years later, that you not only met my expectations of you from back in 1967, you EXCEEDED my expectations. My hat is off to you. Keep up the good work for everyone concerned. Best regards, Tim Weber
Yes, one other reason that I always remembered you is that we share the same first name!

Hello. My name is Steve Woods. I am from and live in Washington, PA. With all that has been going on, especially last week, it is time to have an awareness rally in my city. It is scheduled for July 23. I don’t know you but I am asking you to come and speak to my city. We’d be honored to have your vocal presence at our ‘Preservation of life, Black lives matter too’ peaceful protest. Again it is Saturday July 23. Assembly at 10, March at 11, reassemble at our courthouse steps for speeches starting at 12 pm. My phone number is 7245310372. Email slw_blessed@yahoo.com Thank you.

Tim I want to send my heartfelt condolences to you sir for the loss of your sister Marlene she’s always and had been a mother to me for many years still always will be married to my father I knew her great toys and love for him and they’re togetherness is always Paramount and are in his bike Tim I want to let you know if there’s anything that I can do anything that you would need your help you with any type of support I can give you more about that please feel free to email me at this address God bless you can godspeed Steven..mcenheimer.
Sharon..pa

Hi MR Steve’s This is Kimberly Howard, I work with you back in the 70’s at the naacp . I need your help I work in public works, I be been doing that for the last 3 years as a seasonal . They have hired people that was not in the union. This year they put me in 3rd where I must work nights and the 6th , I do not work nights just a split shift , I’m ok with that.coukd you help me please ! Could you get me hired. Thanks Kimberly Howard

Hi Tim,
You probably don’t remember be, but we worked together at Mayview (back in the day). You used to give me stuff for your music to type up for you. I remember how much fun it was when our group got together to see you sing at the local clubs. I still have your autographed album. Nice to see you are still fighting the fight!